Honeycomb, Beekeepers’ Hats, and Flowers at Today’s Apiary-Themed McQueen Show

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Today’s Alexander McQueen show is exactly what the fashion world — currently embroiled in some shockingly petty insults leveled by a well-respected designer (Hedi Slimane) and hugely influential pop star (Lady Gaga) toward Times critic Cathy Horyn — needed to remember that this industry does indeed contain hard-working, capable designers who humbly envision beautiful things and execute them without unnecessary fuss.

For spring 2013, Sarah Burton made a bee-themed collection, complete with honeycomb patterns, honey-colored fabrics, waxy-looking materials, and beekeepers’ veils. Hoop skirts were structured to resemble papery beehives and embroidered with lush silk flowers or floral patterns; the shoes looked like black netted boots laced up the back, like corsets for one’s calves. The backdrop featured images of flowers and beehives taken through microscopes. You can see a selection of the looks in our slideshow; we’ll have the full runway show up shortly.

As an exceptionally dramatic season draws to a close, isn’t it wonderful to see creations like this that float — quite literally — above the mucky, ego-filled reputation that this industry sometimes lives up to?